Why Manchester United v Liverpool is still the biggest game in English football

Ahead of Manchester United v Liverpool this weekend the question of whether it is still English football's biggest game rears its head once again and in all honesty, It should not even be up for discussion.

In light of what both clubs have achieved over the years, the hardship they have had to deal with and their close proximity there really is no rivalry that compares.

When United take on Liverpool and vice versa, the whole world sits up and takes notice. Can Arsenal v Chelsea, Tottenham v Arsenal etc say the same? Doubtful.

Perhaps in a one off season where both teams are going for the title. What Manchester United v Liverpool does is consistently engage us, each club seeking to outdo the other to either take or maintain the title of England's most decorated football club. On that premise alone the meeting of both sides will have so much more at stake than merely the three points. The pride lies not only in performing for the fans, but more importantly showing the footballing world who is top dog from these shores.

It does not matter that Manchester United are in a slump at the moment and Liverpool are riding the crest of a wave. Wherever these teams are in the league, their meeting will cause the hearts of even neutrals to occasionally flutter.

Manchester United have amassed twenty league titles to Liverpool's 18. Liverpool have secured five European cups to Manchester United's three.

United had to come out of the traumatic period that followed the Munich Air Disaster as Liverpool did Hillsborough and Heysel. What these clubs have experienced has made them and their fans undoubtedly stronger and one only need to look at the Justice for the 96 Campaign for as an example of that.

All these things give so much more meaning to each club and in turn their rivalry. It transcends football and why many of those uninterested in the sport will be just that little bit curious as to know who came out on top on Sunday after the latest chapter in this long and storied battle.